Media Psychology, B.S.

The faculty of the undergraduate degree program in Media Psychology is committed to the following learning objectives.

Media Psychology students will:

1. Apply core concepts and theoretical foundations of psychological science to understand complex interactions among human behaviors, media, and technology, including how media products are created, used, consumed, and shared

2. Analyze the psychological and social impacts of media and technology on individuals, groups, societies, and cultures

3. Use quantitative and qualitative research methods to analyze real-world issues

4. Demonstrate competency in media, information, and digital literacies

5. Develop effective creative and critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills

6. Integrate media psychology into the various fields of communication and the arts

7. Address the ethical and social implications of media and technology, including issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

8. Use media and technology effectively, sensitively, and inclusively to engage with local and global communities  

The Bachelor of Science in Media Psychology applies psychological science-the study of behavior and the mind-to understand media design, production, and consumption, as well as the complex and reciprocal relationship between people and the media they create and consume. Over the course of the program, students will apply theories of learning, motivation, persuasion, and personal and social identity to analyze a variety of media platforms, including traditional media along with new and rapidly emerging digital technologies and media spaces.

The Media Psychology major is informed and enriched by the strength and scope of Emerson’s arts, communications, and liberal arts curricula. This interdisciplinary positioning of the major will allow students to approach questions around media design, distribution, impact, and intent from multiple perspectives, including storytelling, communication and marketing, cultural and social criticism, and visual and media arts. The major also will offer students a foundation in qualitative and quantitative methodologies and media literacy skills, including critical, creative, and collaborative thinking around issues of ethical practice, accessibility, equity, and inclusion in the use of media in local and global communities.

The major’s combination of foundational psychological theory, diverse disciplinary modes of inquiry, and emphasis on a critical and creative mindset will prepare students to engage with-and contribute to-a range of fields of study and practice, including education; design (game and other); public policy; marketing; media production and entertainment; technology development; and healthcare. The program also will produce educated media consumers and creators who understand the social and civic implications of modern media and can transform that understanding into action for effective and inclusive social engagement.

Media psychologists apply psychological science to understand how people interact with and are impacted by media and technology. Our graduating students will have opportunities to progress directly to working in diverse fields and communities of practice, where they will bring a unique Emersonian brand of arts- and communication-informed media literacy, research and communication skills, and foundational psychological theory to address questions in education, media research, marketing consulting, advertising, technology and user experience design, healthcare, policy making, and creative enterprises. Our graduating students also will have opportunities to build on their Emerson degree in media psychology by pursuing graduate training in a variety of fields, including psychology (e.g., clinical, educational, social), marketing, public health/policy, technology design, and the arts.